P50-M Relief Aid Released to Quake-Hit LGUs in Davao Sur, Occidental
Digos City, Davao del Sur — The national government has released PHP 50 million in relief aid to assist local government units (LGUs) in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental that were severely affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
The devastating tremor, which had its epicenter off the coast of Sarangani, caused widespread damage across the Davao Region, including the provincial capital of Digos City. Homes, public buildings, roads, and critical infrastructure sustained significant damage, displacing thousands of families and disrupting daily life for weeks.
The PHP 50-million allocation is intended to provide immediate assistance to affected communities, including emergency shelter support, food and water distribution, medical aid, and the restoration of essential public services. Local officials in Davao del Sur have expressed gratitude for the swift response of national agencies, noting that the funds will be critical in helping their constituents recover and rebuild.
According to the Philippine News Agency, the relief aid will be distributed to the hardest-hit LGUs based on damage assessments conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Priority will be given to municipalities that reported the highest number of damaged structures and displaced families.
The earthquake also caused significant damage to Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), one of the most prominent educational institutions in Digos City. A building on the university campus tilted after the quake, prompting immediate evacuation and structural inspections. Classes across the Davao Region were suspended in the days following the disaster as authorities assessed the safety of school buildings.
As of the latest reports, the death toll from the earthquake in the Davao Region has risen to four, with dozens more injured. Rescue and recovery operations continue in remote areas where access remains difficult due to damaged roads and landslides.
Local government units in Davao del Sur are urging residents to remain vigilant and continue observing safety protocols, as aftershocks are still being felt in the region. Community leaders have called for sustained support from both the national government and private sector to ensure a full recovery for all affected areas.
— Sources: Philippine News Agency, Inquirer.net, SunStar Davao